Why are Black Berkey filters no longer available to buy separately? And what alternatives are there?
Many customers wonder why the original Black Berkey filters are no longer available separately, and have often already heard something about the EPA ban. Below, we explain clearly what is going on and what alternatives are currently available.
What happened to Berkey?
In early 2023, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ruled that the Black Berkey filter cartridges are covered by the US Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
The reason for this is that the filters contain silver (which is registered as a pesticide in the US) and that claims were made regarding the reduction of bacteria and viruses. According to the EPA, a product that combats such micro-organisms falls under the category of “pesticide”.
As a result, the filter elements were given a different legal classification. This led to legal proceedings (the Berkey case against (the EPA to revise this classification again) and production restrictions in the United States. The legal proceedings regarding this matter are still ongoing.
Consequences:
- The loose Black Berkey filter cartridges are no longer manufactured under the Berkey brand name. Production under the name “Black Berkey” has therefore been suspended for some time now.
- The stock that Berkey still has of the Black Berkey filter cartridges is used to keep the entire range of water filters on the market. This means that if you buy a Berkey water filter now, it will simply contain the original Black Berkey filters sit.
What alternatives are there to the Black Berkey filters?
Fortunately, new solutions have now been developed, enabling users of Berkey systems to continue using their water filters.
1. BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters
The team behind one of the largest Berkey dealers (JEI) and the manufacturer of the original Black Berkey filter formulation (the Black Berkey filters were, in fact, produced by a separate factory working on behalf of Berkey) have joined forces to to produce new filters that do comply with US law.
Using these new filters the same basic formula as the Black Berkey filters, but they are a different product on paper because they do not claim to remove micro-organisms — meaning they comply with EPA regulations.
They also have new, patented improvements have been received and tested by an independent body.
This has therefore resulted in the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters. In practice, the new BOROUX Foundation Filters therefore use the same formula as the old Black Berkey filters, but are marketed in a way that is legally permissible (i.e. NO official claims regarding the removal of micro-organisms in the US). This is primarily a regulatory difference, no technical difference in the filter media used
What does this mean in practical terms?
- The filters are based on the same core technology and formula as the earlier Black Berkey filters. So you can buy the same product again, but now under the name BOROUX Foundation Filters.
- They have been brought into line with current US regulations (EPA-compliant) and are supplied with transparent test strips.
- No official claims are now made regarding the removal of bacteria and viruses, in order to comply with the law.
- They are suitable for use in existing Berkey systems.
- BOROUX is not affiliated with Berkey — it’s a completely different brand. However, the filters are manufactured at exactly the same site in America.
- The recommended replacement interval is similar to that of the original Black Berkey filters (current advice: with average use and tap water, replace at most every 3 years).
For many Berkey users, this is currently the solution par excellence and therefore also the the most popular option.
As BOROUX has, of course, always been in direct contact with end customers, they have listened closely to the market. They have therefore launched their own range of water filters, featuring their own design and a choice of different colours. In doing so, they have also new, patented improvements applied. Visit our overview page with all BOROUX water filters. Every BOROUX water filter comes with two BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters delivered.
2. Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ filters
As a result of all this, the company behind the Berkey brand (New Millennium Concepts) has now entered into a partnership with Phoenix Gravity. This has led to the Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ filters developed (a filter specially designed for New Millennium Concepts).
Features:
- Developed as replacement filters by Berkey (New Millennium Concepts).
- Suitable for use in all Berkey water filters.
- Shorter replacement interval (recommended: 1 year).
- It is slightly smaller than the original Black Berkey filter.
- New manufacturing partner; production takes place in India.
- Recently launched on the market.
As this filter is new, there is even less long-term experience available than with the BOROUX version.
So, just to be clear: if you buy a new Berkey water filter, it will still be supplied with 2 original Black Berkey filters. The Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ filters have therefore been presented as replacement filters.
What does this mean for existing Berkey users?
Do you already have a Berkey water filter system? If so, there are currently two options:
- BOROUX Foundation™ Black filters – based on the original technology.
- Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ filters – a collaboration between New Millennium Concepts and Phoenix Gravity.
Both are compatible with existing Berkey systems.